Shardiya Navratri, also widely celebrated as Maha Navratri, stands as the most prominent and auspicious festival among the four annual Navratris. Occurring during the autumn month of Ashwin (Sharad Ritu), this divine nine-night festival honors the victory of Supreme Goddess Durga over evil, culminating on the tenth day with Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra).

In 2026, Shardiya Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, and concludes with Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20. During these nine days, devotees across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and all over India observe daily color codes derived from the planet ruling each specific weekday.

Navratri 2026 Daily Schedule, Colors & Prasad Offerings

Each form of Goddess Navdurga represents a distinct divine energy. Offering her favored Bhog (Prasad) and wearing the day's designated color brings health, peace, and spiritual growth:

Essential Navaratra Vrat Poojan Vidhi

Follow these essential step-by-step rituals to perform the sacred worship during Navratri:

1. Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana): On Day 1, thoroughly clean the puja area. Sow barley seeds (Jowar) in a mud pot. Place a brass or copper Kalash filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut tied in red cloth on top.
2. Akhand Jyot: Light an unceasing lamp (Akhand Jyot) fed with pure ghee or sesame oil to burn continuously throughout the 9 days.
3. Daily Prayers & Fasting: Conduct morning and evening Aarti, maintain a strict Sattvik fast, and offer the day's specific Prasad.
4. Kanya Pujan: On Ashtami or Navami, invite nine young girls (symbolizing the nine forms of Durga). Wash their feet, serve them Halwa-Puri-Chana Prasad, and seek their divine blessings.